build a chicken coop

The chicken coop is progressing. Today I started putting up the sheathing for the roof, and it is starting to look good.

I also started work on some of the trim. I am expecting to be able to finish the chicken coop in a few more weekends. I think I’ll have a better idea of the remaining time once the roof is completed.

Last week, I ordered some supplies in preparation for the baby chicks that we will be getting. We’re planning to order the Rhode Island Reds from Murray McMurray, for delivery next month (26 pullets and 3 cockerels).

More pictures of the progress at My Flickr

This weekend, in the wind and sun, I finished framing the roof of the chicken coop, and got one heck of a good sunburn in the process.

I used a 4×6 ridge beam and 2×4 rafters, which I notched and cut to fit the 6/12 slope. This was the first time I’ve framed a roof, but I’m pretty happy with the result.

Next weekend, the plan is to put up the sheathing, and then start working on some of the detail work: windows, doors, hatches, and trim.

Not as much progress as I was hoping for going into the weekend, but it was good progress nonetheless.

I got the siding up on all four walls. Next, I need to frame out the roof, put the sheathing, tar paper, and shingles, then I’ll start on the finishing details of the structure—windows, door, chicken pop, and hatches. Still got a lot to do, but I’m happy with the progress these past couple days.

This project is funded completely by my American Express rewards points, which I traded in for some Home Depot gift cards. At least I didn’t need to spend any cash.

Maverick and Duke kept me company while I was working, as usual, and today both dogs were lazying around… Probably because we were listening to Hank Williams in the afternoon. I swear, those dogs like that Hank Williams.

You can see some pictures of the progress so far at Flickr.

I’m building an 8’ x 12’ chicken coop, which I designed myself. Today I made a lot of progress… four walls are framed. Tomorrow, I will put up the siding and hope to get started framing the roof.

Read more at B is for Bumpkin

I started building the chicken coop today… finally!